Separator



Oct. 30, 1951 u. 5. JAMES, JR

SEPARATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet l FilecP'July 21, 1948 3mm Fig/ayes)? James zb:

A Q YZS Oct. 30, 1951 u. s. JAMES, JR

SEPARATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 21, 1948 gwue/wtoo Wywes ,8, Jameqfi:

W LW

ATTORNEYS Oct. 30, 1951 u. s. JAMES, JR

SEPARATOR Filed July 21, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Vlyssesfi Jam 6610/1:

ATTORNEYS v Oct. 30, 1951 5 J S, JR 2,573,026

SEPARATOR Filed July 21, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYS Oct. 30, 1951 u. 5. JAMES, JR

SEPARATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 21, 1948 INVENTOR. ylyw'es'i'efamegfi 14W; 1. 73m

ATTOR NEYS Patented Oct. 30, i951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 17 Claims.

N This invention relates to apparatus for separating materials composed of constituents of different specific gravities, and more particularly jigs for effecting the wet separation of minerals to be recovered from other constituents of ores.

In separating minerals from ores by the wet method termed jigging, the ore is usually crushed and sized to obtain free particles of its constituents in a mechanical mixture. After proper preparation, the mixture is deposited in a tray having a foraminous support such as a screen or grid therein whereon the mixture is stratified under water by employing alternate periods of agitation and settling. The ideal agitating phase is of a type which will leave the entire mixture suspended in the liquid in a loose, undisturbed body. The settling phase, following the phase of agitation, allows the separate particles to descend at a rate approximately agreeing with an empirical physical formula known as Stokes Law, which defines the relationship between particle density, liquid density and ultimate velocity of descent when dealing with small spheres of one size. In actual jigging practice the settling rate of each particle is affected not only by its density and the density of the suspending medium, but also by its size and shape. Thus, the

end result is that strata of particles tend to arrange themselves upon the support in direct relationship to their settling rates.

Heretofore, separation of materials by jigging has generally been accomplished by imparting simple harmonic motion vertically to the tray and the screen or grid upon which the ore or other material is deposited. Separation of the constituents of the mixture has not been difficult if there has been a considerable uniform difierence in settling rates of the dilTerent materials being acted upon. Furthermore, should a wide difierence exist between the specific gravities of the constituents, a considerable range of particle sizes can be separated at one and the same time. When the settling rates of the several materials differ uniformly but only to a slight degree, separation by jigging, as heretofore practiced, becomes difiicult. Close sizing of particles and smaller vibration amplitude become increasingly necessary in an efiort to induce stratification and subsequent separation, this being especially true when treating finer sizes.

As particle size decreases, so must the openings in the foraminous support. This usually means a decrease in the percentage of elTective open area of the support. The result is greater resistance to the passage of water orother liquid through the support. Mechanical drag is the consequence of this condition, causing particles to follow the support as it descends, and stratification with relation to free falling descent is impossible.

To counteract this drag the operator is com-- pelled to speed up the rate of vibration to force the liquid through the foramina at a higher velocity. This procedure also deters stratification,

since if the downward phase of a simple har-,

monic vibration is increased, so is the upward phase; thus the amount of time allowed for the particle to fall freely and stratify is shortened.

The present invention provides a novel and improved separator of the jig type which enables the separating action to be accomplished more effectively and efficiently, especially in separating materials in which the specific gravity differential of the intermixed constituents is relatively;

small, by imparting to the foraminous support a novel diiferential motion the characteristics of which may be varied to suit the nature of the ore to be treated.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide, in a separator of the jig type, means for imparting a suitable differential motion to the foraminous support whereby particles of a mixture of ore or similar material having but a small gravity differential may be readily and efficiently separated.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide, in a jig equipped with means for imparting a differential motion thereto, means for changing the characteristics of the motion to that most effective for separation of the ore or other material to be treated.

Another object is to provide, in a separator of the type described, means whereby the length of the vibratory strokes imparted to the foraminous support may be readily adjusted, after the characteristics of the stroke have been determined and fixed, without changing the characteristics of the strokes.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for changing the length of the strokes which means may be readily operated while the separator is in operation.

A further object is to provide novel means for supporting the foraminous support and associated parts in order to render said support responsive to the minutest variations in the characteristics of the movements imparted thereto.

With these objects in view the invention comi prises generally a separator of the jig type having a tray provided with a screen, grid or other suitable foraminous support for the material de-' 3 posited therein, resilient means supporting the tray in a water bath and constantly tending to move the tray upwardly, in combination with novel means for effecting the desired variable .detrusion of the tray and for controlling the return upward movement thereof under the influence of the resilient tray supporting means.

The invention further comprises a Separator of the above described type in which the characteristics of the motions may be varied to suit the character of the ore or other material to be treated.

More specifically, the invention comprises a separator of the jig type having a foraminous ore or material supporting tray arranged in a water bath, supporting means for the tray constantly tending to move the same upwardly, means .for imparting novel differential strokes to the tray. and means for varying the characteristics of the strokes.

The invention further provides improvements in the structure of separators of the jig type whereby the stability of the vibratory tray and screen is enhanced, and the operation thereof improved enerally. 7

To these and other ends, the invention consists in certain improvements and combinations and arrangements of parts, all as will hereinafter appear, the features of novelty being pointed out more particularly in the claims at the end Of this specification.

In the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a separator of the jig type constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the front or discharge end of the separator.

Fig. 3 is a partial plan view of the separator shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail bottom plan view of the hutch discharge mechanism, upon an enlarged scale.

Fig. 6 is a detail section on the line 66 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail view of one of the discharge weirs and its adjusting screw.

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8-8 in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a vertical longitudinal section of the vibration generating mechanism taken on substantially the line 9-9 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section of the same mechanism taken on the line Iii-I0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line I l-l I of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a detail section on the line l2--l2' of Fig. 10, illustrating the cam shaft torsion spring and means for adjusting the power thereof.

Figs. 13 and 14 are details of the lower end of one of the stirrups which are fixed to the tray.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the torque lever, a portion thereof being shown in section on the line l5l5 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the torque lever.

Fig. 17 is a transverse section of the torque lever taken on the line Il--I l of Fig. 16.

Figs. 18 to 22 inclusive are diagrams illustrating the development of the stroke characteristics.

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating generally the means for transmitting the strokes or vibrations from the power crank shaft to the tray screen support.

Similar parts .are designated by the same referonce characters in the several figures.

In the accompanying drawings, l 5 indicates the main stationary supporting structure of the separator which is preferably constructed of two strips of plate steel which are bent to form halves of a rectangle, the meeting ends of the strips being welded together as at 20 to form a rigid casing having four walls l6, l1, l8 and I9. Each of these walls is provided with openings 2|, 2 la and 22, 22a, to provide access to the mechanism enclosed within the enclosing casing. The lower edge of the casing structure thus formed is preferably turned outwardly to form a base flange 23.

A hutch 24 of generally inverted pyramidal shape, and having discharge means is mounted r in fixed position in the main stationary frame and is provided with water supply means, all as will be hereinafter described, the periphery of the hutch overhanging the upper edge of the supporting structure 20 and forming a flange 25, which is welded thereto.

Above the casing '15 and supported in a manner hereinafter described is a tray 26 into which the pulverized ore or other material to "be treated is fed from a chute 21. The tray comprises a body portion '28 preferably of elongated rectangular form extending longitudinally of the separator and provided at its forward end with a downwardly inclined spout 29.

Arranged transversely of the body portion 28 at the junction thereof with said spout, is a gate frame 30 having a central discharge opening 3-! for the concentrates or quickest settling constituents, and a pair "of laterally disposed discharge openings 32 for the tailings or gangue. The discharges through said openings are controlled by adjustable gates or weirs 33 and 34 respectively, each having a suitable discharge aperture 35. Each gate or weir is independently adjustable by an adjusting screw 36 rotatable and threaded in a nut secured to a bracket plate 31 attached to the upper portion of the gate frame 30, the lower end of each screw being reduced in diameter to extend through a hole in the horizontal leg of an angle iron 36a welded to the upper part of the respective gate, the end of the screw below said leg being formed with a circumferential groove 36b in which a spring thrust washer 360 is pressed and which abuts against the underside of said leg of the angle iron.

A concentrate cup 40 is positioned behind the central or concentrate discharge weir, this cu-p being adjustable vertically "-by a screw 41 mounted in the bracket plate 3'1.

Communicating with and extending forwardly from the concentrate gate opening 31 is a discharge spout 42. This spout is arranged centrally within the spout 29, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and carries off the concentrate, discharging the same through an outlet 43 which extends through the bottomdflof-the chute 29.

A rectangular flange 41 extends from the level of the bottom to of the tray 26, this flange being coextensive in width with that of the body of the tray, and this flange extends longitudinally rearwardly from the gate end, as shown in Fig. 4. A

foraminous support, such as a perforated screen plate 01 grid 48, fits within the upper portion of the flange 41 of the tray and is provided with a depending peripheral flange 49 which is secured to the walls of the flange 41, "supporting the screen or grid on a level with, and forming a portion of the tray bot-tom -46. The forward end of the screen is spaced from the tray flange 41 a suflicient distance to permit the gates to extend down between this flange and the screen flange 49, thus providing for maximum range in adjustment of the gates although the lower ends of the gates will not be withdrawn from between these flanges when the gates are raised to their maximum height.

The perforations of the screen plate or grid may vary as to size and spacing according to the degree to which the ore or other material has been pulverized or the character thereof, and to this end the tray may be provided with a plurality of interchangeable screens or grids of different meshes and patterns.

The tray rests upon a support which comprises a rectangular frame 5| having lateral arms 52 which extend outwardly over and beyond the side elements of the supporting casing. (See Figs. 2 and 3.) The upper face of the frame 5| is formed with a continuous groove 53 having a gasket therein in which rest the lower edges of the flange 41. Eye bolts 54 pivotally connected to the frame 5| and engaging notched flanges 55 on the tray 26, hold the tray securely and rigidly in position on the supporting frame.

The supporting frame 5| is arranged substantially centrally within the upper end of the hutch 24, and a flexible diaphragm 51 of rubher or other flexible waterproof material closes the space between said frame and the top of the hutch. Holding strips 58, secured in place by bolts 59 fasten the outer edges of the diaphragm above the flange 25 of the supporting structure [5, and similar holding strips 60 and screws 6| secure the inner edges of the diaphragm to the under face of the frame 5|.

According to the construction thus far described, it will be understood that water may be retained within the hutch 24 and extend upwardly through the tray frame 5| and screen 48- into the tray 26 where it may be maintained at the desired level by means of the adjustable weirs, so that Stratification of the ore or material in the tray above the perforated screen plate or grid will take place under water.

The arms 52 of the tray supporting frame extend therefrom outwardly and are preferably inclined upwardly, and they terminate in horizontal flanges 63 to which pairs of spaced vertically disposed carrier rods 65 are secured adjustably. Preferably, the outer edges of the flanges are provided with notches 66 to receive threaded upper ends of the rods to facilitate assembly, and

nuts 61 threaded on said ends securely clamp the flanges 63 adjustably to said rods.

The rods 65 extend downwardly through housings 10 secured to the outer sides of the supporting structure l5 for engagement with the actuating mechanism, as will be hereinafter described.

A spring-compression yoke H is mounted loosely upon each pair of rods 65 beneath the respective flanges 63, and between the ends of the yoke and the bottoms 12 of the housings 10 are compression springs 13 which constitute the resilient supporting means for the tray. The pairs of supporting springs 13 are spaced widely apart laterally of the separator, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and the rods of each pair are spaced apart a considerable distancelongitudinally of the separator, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, to give stability of support for the tray 26 and minimize tendency thereof to rock. An adjustin screw 74 is threaded centrally through each of the flanges 63 and bears upon the respective spring compression yoke 1|, these screws providing means for loading or adjusting the power of the supporting springs 73. Adjustment of.

the screw 14 will raise or lower the yoke H relatively to the flange 63 on the tray and thereby adjust the power of the springs 13 without disturbing the adjustment of the height of the tray by the nuts 6! and the level condition of the diaphragm 51.

A stirrup is adjustably secured to the lower ends of each pair of carrier rods 65, these stirrups providing means through which vertical vibratory motion is transmitted to the tray 26. Each stirrup comprises a cross-bar 18 attached at its ends to said rods, and a depending portion 19 extending to adjacent the base of the machine. A bearing seat is formed in the lower end of the depending portion 19 directly below the center of the cross-bar 18 for the cylindrical bearing end 8| of the respective actuating yoke arm 82, one of said yoke arms being provided at each side of the machine to engage the respective bearing seats 80.

The yoke arms 82 are fixed to a transverse yoke shaft 86 which is mounted to rock in bearings 8! in the lower portion of the supporting structure I5 and extend forwardly and upwardly from said shaft.

Rocking of the shaft in its bearings will impart vertical vibrations to the tray 26, causing the material therein to stratify, and the concentrate may be drawn off as desired through the central weir 33 and discharge spout 42. However, some of the finer parts of the material will sink through the perforations in the screen or grid and into the hutch 24 from which such constituents of the material may be drawn off as hereinafter described.

The water is supplied to the machine by a pipe 90 which extends into the hutch and is provided at substantially the center thereof with a T-portion 9| having legs extending to positions adjacent opposite downwardly inclined walls thereof, and terminating in downwardly extending vents or nozzles 92. A valve 93 is provided in the pipe 90 to regulate the flow of Water and thereby maintain the same at the desired level in the tray, and also furnish a continuous upward lift or classifying effect if this is desirable. With this construction and arrangement, the flow of water from the downwardly extending nozzles 92 will not agitate the material on the tray. The pipe 96 preferably extends through the opposite sides of the supporting structure and through the housings 10, thereby serving as means for rigidifying these housings and preventing vibration thereof under the reactions of the springs '13.

The power of the tray supporting springs 13 holds the bearing seats 86 firmly against the ends 8| of the yoke arms 82, so that the characteristics of the motion of said arms will be accurately transmitted to the tray. This is important, as both the characteristics and magnitude of the vibrations imparted to the tray must be accurately determined and set for the proper separation of the particular material to be treated. A vibration that would be effective in the separation of one ore or material is often ineffective or inefficient in the separation of another material, and a relatively small variation in either the characteristics or the magnitude of the vibrations, or both, will change an ineificient operation into a highly efficient and profitable one, particularly when operating upon an ore or material the gravities of the constituents of which differ only slightly.

According to the present invention, the tray containing the pulverized ore or other material" can be plunged suddenly downwardly in the water, and then raised more slowly. With the downward plunging stroke, the water flowing upwardly through the bottom perforations of the tray holds the pulverized ore in suspension, the heavier particles, which are usually the valuable mineral portion, sinking to the bottom first, whereas the lighter portions remain in suspen! sion longer and settle more slowly. A slight pause can be given to the movement before raising the tray to permit the proper amount of settling, and the duration of this pause, in order to attain the most effective separation, is governed by the characteristics of the stroke.

When there is considerable difference of gravity between the mineral elements of ore and the other portions of a mixture, the separation may be readily and effectively accomplished, substantially without difliculty. However, when the difference in gravity of the constituents of the mixture is small a more appropriate type of stroke is necessary, in order to attain proper stratification, and this is particularly true in the separation by mechanical means wherein the strokes are more rapid and frequent than in hand separation by use of a sieve, such mechanical operation imparting a vibratory motion to the tray.

If the down strokes are too rapid or started too suddenly, jets of water are forced upwardly through the perforations in the tray which would cause undue agitation and remixing of the elements, and unless the upward or return strokes are properly timed or are too rapid, the necessary settling and stratification will not take place. It i therefore necessary that the characteristics of the vibratory movements of the tray shall be capable of fine adjustments to meet the requirements of the particular ore or other material to be treated.

The present invention provides mechanism for producing the most appropriate vibratory movements above mentioned, and for varying the characteristics and the length of the strokes, As shown in the present instance, such means is mounted in a housing 95 which is. preferably closed so that the mechanism is protected from foreign substances and may run in an oil bath contained in the housing. The housing as shown comprises generally a bottom 31, side Walls 08 and 99, end walls I and IOI, and a tap closure I02 secured in place as by screws I03, this housing being mounted in fixed position in the main frame on supports 95. A crank shaft I04 is mounted in said housing, it being journaled in bearings I05 and I06 in the wall 98 and 99' respectively. A cap I0! is fixed to the wall 99 at one end of the shaft I04, and it has a bearing adjusting cup I08 slidably mounted therein and bearing against the outer face of a tapered roller' or other anti-friction bearing I05. An adjusting screw I09 is threaded through the cap I01 and bears against the cup I08. The bearing I06 at the other end. of the shaft I04 is held in place by an open end cap I I0 secured to the outer face of the housing wall 80. The shaft I04 extends beyond the cap IIO and carries a driving wheel preferably in the form of a fiy-wheel III the rim of which is preferably grooved to receive belts I I2 driven from a grooved pulley I I3 on the shaft of a driving motor H4. The shaft I04 is provided with a crank I I5 arranged within the hous ing 96, and a roller H1 is rotatably'mounted on the eccentric pin IIG, this roller including two 8 axially spaced cylindrical cam'engaging portions H8. The rim of the driving wheel III is preferably relatively heavy to ensure steady and substantially uniform speed of rotation of the crank shaft.

The roller II? is split diametrically into two similar halves to enable assembling of the roller on the crank pin, the halves of the roller being bolted together by bolts I2I which extend through lugs II9 located between the cam engaging portions II8, and the cam engaging portions of the roller are rigidly connected by bars I20. The inner faces of the lugs H9 and bars I20 constitute portions of the bearing of the roller on the crank pin I I6, and they are preferably spaced apart circumferentially to admit lubricant to the crank pin.

A cam shaft I25 is mounted parallel to the shaft I04 to rock in bearings I26 and I21, the latter being located in a tubular extension I28 projecting from the side 99 of the housing 96. A cam lever I30 is mounted in the housing and keyed to the shaft I25, this cam lever having a cam block I3! mounted thereon for adjustment longitudinally thereof and having a pair of parallel cam faces which rest tangentially on the cylindrical portions II8 of the roller III.

The cam faces on the cam block comprise straight portions I32 toward the outer end of the cam lever and concave portions I33 which are tangential to the straight portions I32 and are curved in a direction toward the center of the shaft I04. allel cam engaging portions of the cam block provides clearance for the bars H9 as the roller II! is carried around by the crank pin H6.

The cam lever I30 is preferably provided with a hub I31 keyed to the shaft I25 and rigid with a pair of arms I38 which carry a pair of straight outer portions I30 connected at their ends by transverse bars I40 and MI. Cam lever portions I39 constitute slide-ways I42 for the cam block I3I, said block having longitudinal bearing faces I43 preferably parallel with the portions I32 of the cam faces. and slidably engaging the same. A clamping bolt I49, extends through the cam lever hub I31 for immovably securing the cam lever on the cam shaft, and a spacing collar I45 is provided on the shaft I25 between the cam lever hub I 31 and the adjacent wall 99 of the housing.

Means is provided for adjusting the cam block I3I longitudinally on the cam lever and for securing the cam block in different adjusted positions, such means comprising preferably an adjusting screw I4'I extending between the portions I39 of the cam lever and threaded through a lug I48 on the upper face of the cam block. The screw I4! is mounted rotatably at one end in the cross bar I4I, the head I49 of the screw abutting against the outer face of said bar, and

a thrust collar I50 is pinned to the screw and Adjustment of the cam block I3I toward the V outer end of the cam lever I30 is limited by engagement of the lug I48 on the upper face of The space I34 between the par- 9 the cam block I3I against the cross-bar I40 of the cam lever, and adjustment of the cam block toward the inner end of the cam lever is limited by engagement of the cam block with a shoulder I 53 on the cam lever.

One end of the shaft I25 extends through and projects from extension I28 on the housing, and arm I58 is mounted on the projecting end of this shaft and has a hub I59 keyed thereto. A clamping bolt I60 secures the rocker arm against lateral movement on this shaft.

The rocker arm I58 extends toward the oscillatory yoke shaft 86, and is preferably provided with a laterally offset flange I6l, the upper face of which is provided with a hardened steel wear plate I62. f

A torque lever I65 is mounted on and fixed to the yoke shaft 86, this torque lever I65 carrying a hardened roller I66 which is held in continuous engagement with the rocker-arm plate I62 under the influence of the tray supporting springs 13, as will be clear from Fig. 23.

Any movement imparted to the cam lever I30 by the roller II1 on the crank pin II6 will be transmitted to the tray through the medium of.

the rocker arm I58, torque lever I65, and yoke arms 82, but in the relatively opposite direction; that is, any upward movement of the cam lever I30 will cause the yoke levers 82 to move downwardly, and vice versa. The direction of movement of the several parts mentioned when the cam lever is lifted, is indicated in Fig. 23 by the arrows applied to each of the several parts. When the cam lever moves downwardly the direction of movement of said parts is reversed. Therefore, any changes in the characteristics of the stroke due to the adjustment of the cam block relatively to the roller II1, will be transmitted to the separating tray 26.

The tray supporting springs 13 not only hold the roller I66 in engagement with the rocker arm I58, but they also, by forcing said arm downwardly, tend to hold the cam block I3I continuously in engagement with the roller I I1. However, when the stroke called for is extremely short, which is the time it is most necessary for the machine to be most sensitive to the characteristics of the strokes as developed by the action of the roller II1 upon the cam I3I, the

pressure from the main springs 13 is least effec- It is therefore tive to maintain this contact. preferable, in order to insure transmission to maintain the desired characteristics of the repeated vibratory strokes during operation at such times, to provide auxiliary means for ensuring maintenance of continuous contact of the cam block with the roller II1. Such auxiliary means comprises preferably a helical torsion spring I68 enclosed in a spring housing I69 secured upon the housing 96 in axial alignment with the cam shaft I25. outer end of the spring housing I69, as shown in Fig. 10, and is provided on its inner face with a boss I1I having a slot I12, and a similar slot I13 is provided in the adjacent end of the cam shaft I25. diametrically inwardly as at I14 and I15 to engage within the slots I12 and I13 respectively.

The cap I is rotatable upon the outer end of the spring housing I69 to adjust the power or loading of the spring I68, and accordingly, the pressure of the cam block upon the roller H1. The cap I10 is held in different positions into which it may be rotated by bolts I16 extending through the cap I10 and through a flange I 11 A cap I10 closes theon the outer end of the spring housing I 69, three bolts spaced equidistantly being shown for this purpose. The periphery of the cap I10 is provided with a series of wrench-receiving notches, for adjusting.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the characteristics of the stroke imparted to the tray is determined by the character or shape of the cam faces I32-I33 of the cam block I3I and the position of the cam faces relatively to the roller I I1 on the crank shaft I04.

Figs. 18 and 19 show diagrammatically the movements of the cam block I 3! and hence of the cam lever I30 when the cam block is adjusted on the lever so that only the straight portions I32 of the cam faces are Within the range of the throw of the eccentrically mounted roller I I1, and Figs. 20 and 21 show diagrammatically the movements of the cam lever when the cam block is adjusted to the outermost position with the curved portions I33 of the cam faces entirely within the range of operation of the roller thereon. In Fig. 22 the strokes produced as the result of said adjustments, as transmitted to the tray are plotted, it being understood that the strokes as transmitted are in the reverse direction from those of the cam lever, as hereinbefore stated, and as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 23.

In Figs. 18 to 21 inclusive, I 85 indicates the center of rotation of the cam shaft I 25, and the circle I86 indicates the throw of the eccentric of the crank shaft, that is, the path of movement of the center of the roller II1. This circle is divided into twenty-four equally positioned successive stations of the eccentric during one revolution of the crank shaft, said positions being designated by the numerals 1 to 24 inclusive.

With each of these stations as a center, and assuming the rotation to be in the direction of the arrows, the successive positions of the cam block engaging periphery of the roller are designated by the circles designated II8. To avoid confusion, the twelve successive positions of the downstroke of the eccentric roller are illustrated in Fig. 18, and the successive positions thereof during the up-stroke are indicated in Fig. 19.

Lines I32a tangential to each of said circles I I8 indicate both the vertical and the angular position of the cam face I32 at each of said stations of the eccentric roller. From the center of rotation I85 of the cam lever, through a given point I321) at the end of the cam, are drawn radial lines I81 to intersect an arc I88 the center of which is the center of rotation of the cam shaft I85. From the points of intersection of the lines I81 and the arc I88, lines I89 are drawn parallel to the plane I90 intersecting the axes of the shafts H6 and I25, to a line I9I perpendicular to said plane. The points of intersection with the line I9I are indicated by the characters I to 24' inclusive, and these points are plotted in Fig. 22, but in reverse, so that the movement as depicted by the dotted line I92 will indicate the movement The ends of the spring I68 are bent transmitted to the tray 26. Due to the reduced size of the diagrams, the radial lines to the points I 32b are produced to the arc I88 in order that the plotted curves indicating the movements may be more distinct and legible.

In Figs. 20 and 21 the same method is employed for illustrating the motion when the cam block is adjusted outwardly on the cam lever to bring the curved portions I33 of the cam block into full engagement with the roller faces II8. By plotting the motion in the same manner, the curve is depicted in Fig. 22 by the full line I 93. This lat- 'the size of the particles thereof.

ter motion provides fora shorter pause at the upper end of each stroke than in the case illustrated by Figs. 18 and 19, and for a quicker or more sudden initial downward movement which ture of the ore or other material to be treated.

Since the eccentric roller during its upward swing operates on the portion of the cam face near the pivotal center of the cam lever, the latter will be swung upwardly and consequently the tray will be plunged downwardly rapidly, and during the downward swing of the eccentric roller it operates on the outer portion of the cam face at a relatively greater distance from the pivoted center of the cam lever, the latter will swing down wardly and consequently the tray will be raised 7 more slowly, the movements imparted to the tray will be differential; The rapid descent of the tray and relatively slow rising thereof afford the material suspended in the water in the tray ample time to stratify in accordance with the different specific gravities r settling rates of the constituents, and such stratification is aided by the prolonged period of rest of the tray while at the ter-.

mination of its downward stroke. The adjustments of the cam to cause the eccentric roller to cooperate with the straight portion or the curved portion, or partly on one and partly on the other of said portions, enable the characteristics of the strokes to be varied widely according to the nature of the materials being treated, or the fineness or coarseness thereof.

In addition to the means for varying the characteristics of the strokes imparted to the tray, means are also provided for adjusting the length of the strokes without varying the characteristics thereof, which is advantageous in the separation of some ores or other materials or To this end, means are provided for adjusting the roller [66 longitudinally. on the torque lever relatively to the rocker ark I56, it being evident that the closer this roller is to the shaft I25 and further from the shaft 86, the shorter will be the strokes, and that the further this roller is from the shaft I25 and closer to the shaft 8'0, the longer the strokes.

The torque lever I65 preferably comprises a casting providing two similar parallel spaced members I91, each providing an elongated outer rail portion I96, a hub portion I96, and a yoke shaped portion 260 which connects the rail and hub portions. Transverse members 261 and 262 extend between the members I91 and connect themv at their outer and inner ends respectively. The hub portion I99- is provided with a key 203 for fixing it to the shaft 86, and the hub portion I99 is preferably split and provided with a bolt 284 for clamping it firmly to said shaft.

The roller I66 is journaled in a block 265 which is preferably coextensive in width with the torque lever I65, and is provided with bearing faces 266 engaging the under faces of the rail portions I91 which constitute slide-ways for the block.

An adjusting screw 268 is mounted rotatably in the cross-members 26I and 202, this screw having a threaded portion 269 engaging and extending through a similarly threaded lug 2H] projecting upwardly from the block 265. A

4 crank 2 is pinned to the outer end of the adjusting screw and bears against the outer face of the cross member 26I, and the opposite end of the screw is provided with a hand wheel 2I2 for rotating it. A spring 2I3 is interposed between the member 202 and hand wheel to hold the screw frictionally in any position into which it is rotated. A lug 2M at the forward end of the block 205 projects upwardly between the rails I98 of the torque lever to prevent lateral movement or twisting of the block, relatively to the lever.

According to the construction described, the roller I66 may be readily adjusted longitudinally of the torque lever I65, by rotating the screw 206, to vary,the length of the strokes imparted to the tray 26. By locating the hand wheel 2I2 adjacent the shaft 66, this adjustment may be made with facility while the separator is in operation, the yoke-shaped portion 266 giving ample space for the hand in operating the hand wheel 2I2.

A suitably graduated scale 2I5 is preferably provided on a side of the torque lever to cooperate with the block 265 and thereby indicate the different adjustments of the roller I66 relatively to the torque lever.

As hereinbefore stated, some of the heavier finer portions of the ore or material pass downwardly through the screen 48 and sink into the hutch 24 from which they are recovered. The hutch comprises generally an upper portion 225, a main body portion 226, and a discharge spout 221.

The upper portion 225 of the hutch which lies immediately below the flexible diaphram 57 is substantially coextensive in area therewith, and slopes downwardly at an angle sufiicient to avoid interference with the vertical vibratory movements of the tray support SL The main body portion of the hutch of inverted pyramidal shape has relatively steeply sloping sides, and it terminates in a spout portion 221, which is preferably rectangular in cross-section. This formation of the hutch provides ample space within the limits of the main frame to accommodate all of the actuating mechanism, including the housing 96, motor H4 and sheave III.

Means is provided for drawing off material collected in the spout portion 221 of the hutch, such means comprising in the present instance a nozzle member and cooperating means for controlling the discharge therefrom. The nozzle member comprises a rectangular plate 228 having a groove 229 in the upper face thereof to receive the lower edge of the spout 221, and a centrally disposed funnel shaped discharge orifice 236. The plate 228 is held in place by bolts 23I extending through lugs 232 on the plate and brackets 233 fixed to the spout 221.

An arm 234 extends laterally from one edge of the plate 228 and terminates in a sleeve 235 in which a downwardly extending pin 236 is mounted. Concentric with the pin 236 is an arcuate boss or rib 23'! through the center of which extends the lower end of the orifice 236. A discharge plug holder is mounted on the pin 236, this holder comprising a lever 238 having two downwardly tapering pockets 239 and 24D respectively to receive rubber plugs 2M and 262 which may be selectively brought into position under the discharge orifice 236. The pockets 239 and 246 are open at the bottom except for peripheral flanges 243 on which the plugs rest. Either of these plugs may be solid or imperforate, or provided with a discharge orifice 244. The lever 238 is provided with lugs 245 one or the other of which is engageable with a lug 246 on the plate 228, when the respective plugs are in position under the hutch discharge orifice 230. When a solid plug is under the hutch discharge orifice the hutch is closed and the particles sinking from the tray will accumulate in the portion 221. When it is desired to draw off particles accumulated therein, the lever is swung into a position to bring the plug 24| under the opening 230 as illustrated in Figs. and 6. A plurality of plugs 24! having different size discharge openings 244, may be provided for use interchangeably according to the character of the accumulation to be discharged from the hutch, or if the discharge is substantially heavy an open plug of suitable size may be left in position for continuous discharge.

The lever 238 is preferably provided with an elongated bearing sleeve 247 mounted on the pin 236, and a compression spring 248 is interposed between the lower end of said sleeve and a collar fixed to the lower portion of the pin, for yieldingly holding the plugs on the lever in water-sealing engagement with the outlet end of the nozzle.

The lever 23B is provided with a handle 25!) for operating it, and in order to enable this handle to be reached through the opening 22 and operated, the discharge spout 22'! of the hutch is preferably inclined laterally toward this opening, thereby placing the handle within convenient reach through this opening.

The opening 2| in th enclosing casing also provides convenient access to the top I02 of the housing 96 to enable this cover to be removed and the interior of this housing reached for adjustment of the screw 14! to vary the characteristics of the strokes or for lubrication or other servicing of the mechanism contained in this housing, and the openings 2| and 22 also provide easy access to the crank 2H or hand wheel 2l2 for adjustment of the screw 208 to vary the length of the strokes, and enables other parts of the mechanism within the casing to be reache for servicing or other purposes.

In the operation of the jig to separate materials having different settling rates, the segregation of the materials within the tray should pass through alternate phases of semi-fluidity and compactness, and the weir arrangement for discharging distinct strata as separate products takes advantage of the semi-fluid condition of the material on the downward pulsation of the tray to effect the separation. After the strata of material have been formed in the tray, the desired depth of the entire bed of material is established by adjusting the height of the weirs 34 to the same level, the weir 33 is brought up substantially to the level of the weirs 34, and the-concentrate cup 40 is then lowered into the stratum of heavy material. The minimum distance between the lower edge of the cup 48 and the material supporting screen 48 will be dictated by the size of the largest particle of heavy material which should pass between the cup and screen. The weir 33 is then lowered so that discharge of particles from withcup area due to the heavy stratum into which the cup projects. However, since the entire bed made up of all strata has a certain head, the heavy stratum will be forced up into the cup until this head is balanced by the material within the cup. After such balanced condition has been established, the discharge is substantially selfcompensating over considerable variations in the quality and quantity of the feed. It is to be understood that by providing each jig with multiple cups and weir arrangements set at different elevations,'it is possible to take off a greater number of components of the material.

I claim:

1. In a separator having a foraminous support to receive material to be separated and mounted for substantially vertical movements, and means for submerging said support in liquid, means including a cam connected to said support and having a straight portion and a curved portion tangential thereto and an operating member continuously engaging the cam and cooperative alternately with said straight and curved portions of the cam for imparting sudden downward movements to said support to suspend the material thereon, and relatively slower upward movements to effect stratification of the material.

2. In a separator of the type having a foraminous support to receive material to be separated and movable substantially vertically while submerged in a liquid, means including a cam member connected to said support and having a curved portion and a straight portion tangential thereto and an operating member engageable continuously with the cam member and cooperable alternately with said curved and straight portions of the cam member for imparting sudden downward strokes to said support to suspend the material thereon and relatively slower upward strokes thereto, and means for varying the operative relationship between said members to provide variable periods of rest at the extremities of the downward strokes.

3. In a separator of the type having a tray having a perforated support to receive material to be separated and movable upwardly and downwardly while immersed in water, and means for discharging separated constituents of the material from the tray, means including a cam member connected to the tray and having a curved portion and a straight portion tangential thereto and an operating member continuously engaging the cam member and cooperable alternately with the curved and straight portions of the cam member for imparting differential upward and downward movements to the tray, and means for modifying the operative relationship between said members to vary the characteristics of said downward movements independently of said upward movements.

4. Jigging mechanism for a separator of the type having a substantially vertically movable separating tray, comprising means including a cam member connected to the tray and having a curved portion and a straight portion tangential thereto, and a cooperating operating member engageable alternately with said curved and straight portions of the cam member for imparting differential movements to the tray, means additional to said means and adjustable to vary the length of the movements imparted to the tray, and means for varying the operative relationship between said members for varying the characteristics of said diiferential movements while maintaining the length of said movements.

5. In a separator of the class described, a hutch adapted to contain a body of water, a foraminous tray having means for feeding thereto material to be separated, means for resiliently supporting the tray in the water in the hutch and constantly tending to move the tray upwardly, a flexible diaphragm connecting the tray to the hutch means including members connected to the tray for imparting movements to the tray to force it downwardly against the action of said supporting means and for controlling the upward return movements of the tray under the action of said supporting means, means interposed between the tray and said members for adjusting the height of the tray relatively to said members to level the diaphragm, and means interposed between the tray and the resilient supporting means and operative upon said supporting means to adjust the power of said supporting means while maintaining the adjustment of the height of the tray.

6. In a separator of the class described, a 0- raminous tray to receive material to be separated, means for resiliently supporting the tray in water and constantly tending to move the tray upwardly, means including an operating member and a cam member connected to the tray and having a curved portion and a straight portion adjacent thereto and cooperable alternately with the operating member and held by said supporting means in continuous cooperative relation with said operating member for imparting movements to the tray to force it downwardly against the action of said supporting means and for controlling the upward return movements of the tray under the influence of said supporting means, and means for varying the operative relation between the operating member and the curved and straight portions of the cam member to change the characteristics of the downward movements independently of the upward movements imparted thereby to the tray.

7. In a separator of the class described, a casing having means therein to contain a body of water, a foraminous tray to receive material to be separated, means exteriorly of the casing for resiliently supporting the tray in water in the casing and constantly tending to move the tray upwardly, members connected to and extending downwardly from the opposite sides of the tray and exteriorly of opposite sides of the casing, bearings at the lower portions of said members, an oscillatory lever positioned exteriorly of the opposite sides of the casing adjacent each of said members and operably engaging said bearings, and means including a yoke shaft ri idly fixed to said levers and extendingthrough the lower portions of the opposite sides of the casing for imparting downward movements to said members and the tray and for controlling the return movements of the tray under the influence of said resilient means.

8. In a separator of the class described, a hutch adapted to contain a body of water, a stationary frame, a foraminous separation tray, a traysupporting frame, a flexible diaphragm connecting the periphery of the tray-supporting frame to the hutch, lateral extensions fixed to the respective sides of the tray supporting frame and disposed above the said frame, a pair of longitudinally spaced compression springs arranged between each of said lateral extensions and said frame, members rigidly connected to and extending downwardly from said lateral extensions exteriorly of opposite sides of the frame, means for adjusting the height of said lateral extensions springs.

10. In a separator of the class having a foraminous tray to receive the material to be separated and mounted for substantially vertical movements in water, means for jigging the tray comprising a driving shaft, a cam shaft having means for rocking it by the driving shaft, a rocker .arm fixed to the cam shaft, a yoke shaft parallel with the cam shaft, a torque lever fixed to said yoke shaft, a roller carried by the torque lever and engaging the rocker arm, yoke arms fixed to the yoke shaft, means operatively connecting said yoke arms to the tray, and means for varying the operative relationship between the roller and the rocker arm and torque lever to vary the amplitude of the movements imparted to the tray.

11. In a separator as defined in claim 10, wherein said roller is adjustable longitudinally of said torque lever and rocker arm to vary the length of the strokes imparted to the tray from said cam shaft.

12. In a separator of the class having a perforated tray to receive material to be separated and mounted for substantially vertical movements in water, means for jigging the tray comprising a driving shaft having a roller mounted eccentrically thereon, a cam shaft, a cam lever rigidly fixed to the cam shaft, a cam on said lever having a cam face in continuous engagement with said roller, said cam face having a curved portion and a straight portion tangential thereto, and means operatively connecting the cam shaft to the tray for imparting reciprocatory strokes to the tray.

13. In a separator as defined in claim 12, wherein said cam is adjustable longitudinally of said cam lever to bring different areas of said portions of its cam face into cooperative relation with said roller.

14. A separator of the class having a perforated tray mounted for substantially vertical movements, means for jigging the tray comprising a driving shaft having a roller mounted eccentrically thereon, a cam shaft having a cam lever fixed thereto, means operatively connecting the cam shaft to the tray for controlling upward and downward strokes thereof, and a cam block mounted on said lever and having a cam face thereon comprising a curved portion and a straight portion tangential thereto and alter--' nately cooperative with said roller, the cam block being adjustable in a direction toward or from the cam shaft and longitudinally of the cam lever to bring more or less of the curved portion of the cam face into cooperative relation with said roller and thereby vary the characteristics of the downward strokes of the tray independently of the amplitude of its strokes.

15. Jigging mechanism for a separator of the class having a perforated tray to receive material to be separated, comprising a driving shaft having a roller mounted eccentrically thereon, a cam shaft, a cam lever rigidly fixed to the cam shaft, a-cam on said lever engagin said roller, a rocker arm fixed to the cam shaft, a yoke shaft and toward which the rocker arm extends parallel with the cam shaft, a torque arm fixed on the yoke shaft and extending toward the cam shaft, a roller carried by one of said arms and engaging the other arm, yoke arms fixed to the yoke shaft and operatively connected to the tray, means for adjusting the cam longitudinally on the cam lever, and means for adjusting said roller longitudinally relatively to both the rocker arm and torque arm.

16. Jigging mechanism for a separator of the class having a perforated tray mounted for substantially vertical movements in water, compris in a driving shaft having a roller mounted eccentrically thereon, a cam shaft, a cam lever fixed to the cam shaft, a cam block carried by said lever and having a cam face engaging said roller, said cam face having a straight portion and a curved portion tangential thereto, means for adjusting the cam block longitudinally on the cam lever toward or from the cam shaft to bring the different areas of said portions of the cam face within the range of engagement of said roller therewith, and means interposed between the cam shaft and the tray for transmitting the characteristic motion of the cam shaft to the tray.

17. Jigging mechanism for a separator having a tray supported in water for substantially vertical movements, comprising means for producing differential vibratory movements, a vibratory rocker arm connected to said means to receive 18 vibratory movements therefrom, a shaft toward which the rocker arm extends and having a torque lever fixed thereto and extending therefrom toward the axis of vibration of the rocker arm, a roller carried by the torque lever and engaging said rocker arm, means for connecting said shaft to the tray, and means for adjusting said roller longitudinally relatively to the torque lever and the rocker arm to vary the length of strokes transmitted to the tray.

ULYSSES S. JAMES, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 351,057 Litchfleld Oct. 19, 1886 382,576 White May 8, 1888 506,751 Wall Oct. 17, 1893 804,488 Martin Nov. 14, 1905 816,672 Martin Apr. 3, 1906 894,604 Cohen July 28, 1908 919,258 Shipley Apr. 20, 1909 993,481 Wall May 30, 1911 995,381 Shipley June 13, 1911 1,159,295 Tower Nov. 2, 1915 1,160,502 Franz et al Nov. 16, 1915 1,651,046 Steel Nov. 29, 1927 2,100,459 Ware Nov. 30, 1937 

